Crowns
A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken.
The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org
Bensonhurst Smiles
Chung Hin Lau, DDS
6306 18 Ave, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11204
(718) 232-4044
BensonhurstSmiles.com
A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed. Many people call it a cap.
Crowns may be placed for several reasons. Usually the tooth has been broken or severely damaged by decay. As a result, a filling can't replace enough of the tooth or make the tooth strong enough. A crown may hold together parts of a cracked tooth. It also can be used to hold a bridge in place. Crowns can be used to improve appearance as well. They may be placed to cover misshapen or badly discolored teeth.
Crowns can be made ahead of time (prefabricated) or made to order in a laboratory. Prefabricated crowns are made of plastic or stainless steel. They can be used on a temporary basis until a permanent crown is made.
Crowns can be made of:
- All metal
- Zirconia
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
- Porcelain fused to zirconia
- All ceramic
Metals include gold alloy, other alloys (palladium) or a base-metal alloy (nickel or chromium). The all-metal or PFM crowns are stronger and are better choices for back teeth than ceramic crowns. PFM and all-ceramic crowns are the same color as your natural teeth. They look just like normal teeth.
To read the entire article , please visit Colgate.com
Bensonhurst Smiles
Chung Hin Lau, DDS
6306 18 Ave, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11204
(718) 232-4044
BensonhurstSmiles.com
If you have been experiencing problems with a tooth, you may wonder, "Do I need a root canal?" Root canals, also known as endodontic therapy, are performed when the nerve or pulp of the tooth becomes infected and inflammed due to dental decay, a cracked or broken tooth or an injury to the tooth, according to the American Dental Association. During the procedure, a dentist uses a drill to remove both the nerve and pulp and seals up the tooth to protect against further damage. Only your dentist or a dental specialist called an endodontist, can determine whether a root canal will adequately treat your problem. Here are a few possible symptoms of the need for a root canal and some steps for dealing with them.
General Possible Symptoms
The most common symptom that may indicate the need for a root canal is tooth pain, according to the American Association of Endodontists. The intensity of the pain can range from mild to severe; it may lessen or intensify throughout the day, or it may get worse only when you bite down on the tooth. Some patients experience prolonged sensitivity to hot food or liquids. Your gums may also feel tender and swollen near the problem area.
First Steps
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your dentist right away. Explain your symptoms by phone to a staff member, who may arrange for you to come in right away or may recommend emergency care depending on the severity of your symptoms. To soothe the pain and alleviate swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your jaw.
To read the entire article written by Rebecca Desfosse, please visit Colgate.com
Teeth with damaged or infected roots used to require extraction, which can create a lot of problems and should be avoided when possible. The good news is that we are highly experienced in advanced root canal therapy.
A root canal is a technique to repair a tooth by removing the tooth’s pulp chamber and filling it with a filling material. This is often needed when dental decay reaches the nerve of the tooth (or the tooth has become infected), and a standard filling won’t be suitable.
Not too many years ago, the situation mentioned above would have required a tooth extraction. When dentists began performing root canals, they were quite dreaded, and the root canal has gained a reputation as something to avoid. However, with modern anesthetics and technology, root canals are usually manageable.
Bensonhurst Smiles
Chung Hin Lau, DDS
6306 18 Ave, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11204
(718) 232-4044
BensonhurstSmiles.com
Filling Choices for Every Need
Over the years, silver-mercury amalgam has been the standard filling material used by dental practices. They are effective, cost-effective, and usually covered by insurance. We also offer modern, state-of-the-art restorations that are a natural-looking white, contain no metal, and can actually strengthen teeth. One of the main reasons our patients are choosing the white bonded fillings has to do with the appearance—nearly invisible, compared to the metal filling. They also securely bond to the healthy part of the tooth, decreasing the chance of future decay. We are proud to provide both alternatives, and will be happy to discuss which option is best for you.
Bensonhurst Smiles
Chung Hin Lau, DDS
6306 18 Ave, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11204
(718) 232-4044
BensonhurstSmiles.com
Missing Teeth? Dental Implants Help You ‘Grow’ New Ones
Dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth. From the front of your smile, where they are most visible, to the back, where they provide eating stability, implants can help you reclaim a beautiful and healthy smile. Unlike bridges or removable dentures, which rest on top of the gums, dental implants are placed beneath the gums. The “tooth” placed on an implant appears real, because it comes through the gums just like the original did – it’s like growing a new tooth! Implants can replace any number of lost teeth. Even those without teeth can benefit from implants, because they can replace their dentures with teeth that don’t move around while talking and don’t need to be removed for sleeping. Since we handle the entire process from implant placement to crown fabrication, there’s no need for a referral to another office.
Bensonhurst Smiles
Chung Hin Lau, DDS
6306 18 Ave, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11204
(718) 232-4044
BensonhurstSmiles.com
Chung Hin Lau, DDS, earned
his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine and
then completed a General Practice Residency at Westchester Medical Center. He is an enthusiastic dentist with demonstrated
competencies in general dentistry, fixed and removable prosthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, pediatrics, cosmetics,
and implant dentistry.
Skill and compassion go hand in hand when providing exceptional patient care. Dr. Lau and his dental team dedicate a lot of
time to ensuring their patients’ comfort. They keep themselves updated with the most current dental advancements by attending
various continuing education classes. As dental professionals, they stay up to date on the latest advancements in dentistry
in order to provide the most current treatment options for their patients. Dr. Lau recognizes that each patient is a unique
individual who has placed a great deal of trust in him and his team. That is just one reason he values each and every patient
relationship. The team takes pride in providing superior oral health for their patients and treating them like they are
members of their own family.
In his free time, Dr. Lau enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Bensonhurst Smiles
Chung Hin Lau, DDS
6306 18 Ave, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11204
(718) 232-4044
BensonhurstSmiles.com
